Apparatus for processing electronic drawing data

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are an apparatus and a method, which assist CAD data to be usable by supplier&#39;s own CAD and automatic programming tool no matter how a format of the CAD data from an orderer may be. Electronic drawing data Dx prepared in an orderer  11  is received in an outsourcing service center  14 , the received electronic drawing data Dx is subjected to data conversion into electronic drawing data Dc in a format designated by the supplier  12 , and the electronic drawing data Dc having been subjected to the data conversion is transmitted to the supplier  12  or a designated destination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an outsourcing service apparatusregarding electronic drawing data, and more particularly, relates to anoutsourcing service apparatus regarding electronic drawing data in abusiness model in which machining is performed by machine tools in asupplier based on the electronic drawing data prepared in an orderer.

2. Description of the Related Art

Machining of parts by machine tools in a supplier such as a subcontractfactory based on electronic drawing data prepared in an orderer such asa parent company in accordance with design specifications thereof anddelivery of the machined parts to a place designated by the orderer havebeen broadly performed in various manufacturing and processingindustries.

The electronic drawing data prepared in the orderer is CAD data used bythe orderer, and the CAD data (design CAD data) can be transmitted fromthe computer and server of the orderer to the computer of the supplierby a communication line directly or through a mail server of a providerof the Internet or the like.

Then, improvement of infrastructure for performing such a thing asdescribed above has been progressing domestically and abroad, and it isconceived that placement and receipt of an order by printed-out paperdrawings are going to be reduced.

However, the manufacturing and processing industries, and particularly,most of the subcontract factories (suppliers) performing sheet metalmachining such as press machining are middle and small-scale in a sizeof cottage industries. Even if a subcontract factory is under anenvironment enabling the receipt of the CAD data, a supplier(subcontract_factory) even cannot open the CAD data unless the format ofthe CAD data from the orderer fits a format of an automatic programmingtool (software) of a numerical control device owned by the one's company(supplier), or unless the supplier owns CAD application software fit tothe CAD data from the orderer.

Therefore, in the placement and receipt of an order for parts machiningand the like between the parent company and the subcontract factory, inspite of the fact that the CAD data exists, paper drawings printed outfrom the data have been delivered by mail, a parcel delivery service, adelivery service by motorcycle and the like in many cases. This is notonly a waste of time but also will cause the subcontract factory or thelike to miss business opportunities even if a good machining equipmentis provided therewith.

Moreover, in recent automatic programming tools for the numericalcontrol device, there have been highly functional ones having functionsnot only of preparing a machining program but also of preparing data ofdevelopment views and solid views for the sheet metal machining,performing drawing and so on from the design CAD data. However, inlong-time subcontract factories and the like, many factories do not usesuch new tools and depend on experiences of skilled workers.

Moreover, in the subcontract factories and the like, in many cases,switching of the automatic programming tool to new one is disliked, andone already accustomed to be used is desired to be used due to theexistence of skilled workers and the shortage of personnel in charge ofprogramming. Thus, limitations occur in reduction of work time.Moreover, even if the highly functional automatic programming tool isintroduced, it is conceived that, because the way of its use is uncleardue to its multi-function, the good highly functional automaticprogramming tool may not take an active part fully.

The present invention was made in order to solve the problems asdescribed above. It is an object of the present invention to provide anoutsourcing service apparatus regarding electronic drawing data, whichis adapted to assist the use of the CAD data in the CAD and theautomatic programming tool, which are owned by the supplier, and toassist the use of the functions of the highly functional automaticprogramming tool no matter how the format of the CAD data (electronicdrawing data) from the orderer may be, thus realizing the reduction ofwork time and appropriate and efficient placement and receipt of orders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosure of the Invention

In order to achieve the foregoing object, an outsourcing serviceapparatus according to the present invention is one that receiveselectronic drawing data prepared in an orderer, performs data conversionfor the received electronic drawing data into electronic drawing data ina format designated by a supplier, and transmits the electronic drawingdata subjected to data conversion to the supplier or a designateddestination.

A first technical aspect of the present invention is an outsourcingservice apparatus, wherein the outsourcing service apparatus receiveselectronic drawing data prepared in an orderer, performs data conversionfor the received electronic drawing data into electronic drawing data ina standard format, and transmits the electronic drawing data subjectedto data conversion to a supplier or a designated destination. As theelectronic drawing data in the standard format, there is CAD data inaccordance with the DXF specification or the IGES specification.

A second technical aspect of the present invention is an outsourcingservice apparatus, wherein the outsourcing service apparatus receiveselectronic drawing data prepared in an orderer or a supplier, andperforms at least one data preparation of (1) to (8) based on thereceived electronic drawing data. Specifically:

-   (1) electronic drawing data from which data unnecessary for    machining performed in the supplier is extracted and deleted among    data included in the received electronic drawing data is prepared;-   (2) the machining performed in the supplier is sheet metal machining    including bending, and electronic drawing data of a development view    is prepared from the received electronic drawing data;-   (3) the machining performed in the supplier is sheet metal machining    including bending, and electronic drawing data of a solid view after    the bending is prepared from the received electronic drawing data;-   (4) a machining program for a numerical control device is prepared    from the received electronic drawing data;-   (5) estimation of machining cost is performed based on the received    electronic drawing data, and estimation data is prepared;-   (6) video data of a machining simulation in accordance with a    machining equipment of the supplier and a tool thereof is prepared    based on the received electronic drawing data;-   (7) the optimum machining equipment and tool are selected based on    the received electronic drawing data, and data indicating these is    prepared; and-   (8) optimum software is selected based on the received electronic    drawing data, and data indicating this is prepared. Then, the    apparatus transmits the prepared data to the supplier or a    designated destination.

A third technical aspect of the present invention is a method forproposing an optimum sheet metal machining equipment (includingassistance computer software) to a client, the method including thesteps of: receiving electronic drawing data specifying a product from aclient through a communication line such as the Internet; selecting anoptimum machining equipment for manufacturing the product specified bythe drawing from a plurality of machining equipments in a memory of acomputer; and sending data of the optimum machining equipment to theclient through the communication line such as the Internet.

Another technical aspect of the present invention is a method forproposing an optimum sheet metal machining equipment (includingassistance computer software) to a client, wherein the method canfurther include the following features.

-   (1) The optimality (degree of appropriateness) for manufacturing a    product, that is, a judgment as to whether or not the equipment is    optimum is determined as a function of an increased profit.-   (2) The optimality is determined as a function of a parameter of at    least one of machinability, machining quality, a machining time and    a set-up time.-   (3) The optimum machining equipment includes the optimum machining    machine, the optimum die, or the optimum software.-   (4) When the optimum machining equipment is proposed to the client,    the increased profit is proposed together with the proposal.-   (5) The product specified by the drawing is a product manufactured    from sheet metal.-   (6) The method includes the step of, when the drawings received from    the client are a three view, preparing at least one of a development    view and a solid view based on the three view, and sending the    prepared drawing to the client.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a system constitution diagram showing one embodiment of aservice system including an outsourcing service apparatus according tothe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating a screen example in anorderer when data is transmitted to a supplier;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating a screen example in thesupplier when the data from the orderer or an outsourcing service centeris received;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a screen example in theoutsourcing service center when the data from the supplier is received;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating CAD data conversion;

FIG. 6 is a system constitution diagram showing one embodiment of theservice system including the outsourcing service apparatus according tothe present invention;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating a preparation procedure ofdata of a development view by means of supplier-specific information;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining corrections of bending elongation valuesin the preparation of the development view in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a preparation procedure of data ofa solid view by means of the supplier-specific information;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a determination procedure ofa bending order and a bending die;

FIG. 11 is a view exemplifying a determination procedure of the bendingdie when machining a box-shaped object;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view illustrating a preparation procedure of aNC machining program by means of the supplier-specific information;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a concrete example of the preparationprocedure of the program in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view illustrating a preparation procedure of aNC machining program by succeeding know-how of the supplier: FIG. 14( a)is a development view with bending attributes; FIG. 14( b) is asupplier's database; FIG. 14( c) is a search result of similar products;and FIG. 14( d) is a bending program based on the know-how of thesupplier;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating a preparation procedure of anesting program by means of the supplier-specific information;

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a concrete example of the preparationprocedure of the program in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a system constitution diagram showing one embodiment of aservice system including an outsourcing service apparatus according tothe present invention;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view illustrating a preparation procedure ofestimation data;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view illustrating a preparation procedure ofestimation data of die cost;

FIG. 20 is a table showing an overall outline of the outsourcing of thedevelopment view and program preparations described with reference toFIG. 18 and the like as an example of an offered menu, in which a 2D-CADformat of the orderer is converted into a 2D-CAD format (for example,DXF) handleable by CAD/CAM software made by the outsourcing servicecenter in format conversion (1), and a 3D-CAD format of the orderer isconverted into a 3D-CAD format (for example, Parasolid) handleable bythe CAD/CAM software made by the outsourcing service center in formatconversion (2);

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view illustrating a solid model preparationprocedure in which a supplier is differentiated;

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another example of the data conversionservice described with reference to FIG. 5 and the like;

FIG. 23 is a table showing an overall outline of the estimationoutsourcing described with reference to FIG. 6 and the like as anexample of offered menus, in which format conversions (1) and (2) aresimilar to those in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a screen capture video to be sent tothe supplier 12 together with fruits by the out sourcing (with referencealso to FIG. 6);

FIG. 25 is a diagram schematically illustrating a method for proposingan optimum machining equipment (including optimum machining software) asanother aspect of the invention of this application;

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining a process for proposing an optimummachining machine in manufacturing a sheet metal product (or a sheetmetal part) corresponding to a drawing based on the drawing data 901 or903 as client-specific information;

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating concrete examples of subjects in theprocess in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a method for proposing an optimumbending die as an optimum die for manufacturing a product correspondingto the drawing based on the drawing information (or data) 901 or 903 asthe client-specific information; and

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a method for proposing assistancecomputer software useful for manufacturing a product corresponding tothe development view 945, the solid view 947, and the front view 949 andthe cross-sectional view 951, both of which are based on the solid view947, based on these drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The embodiments of the present invention will be described below indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Electronic Drawing Data Conversion Service

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a service system including an outsourcingservice apparatus regarding electronic drawing data according to thepresent invention.

In this service system, there exist the orderer 11, the supplier(primary subcontract) 12, the secondary subcontract 13, and theoutsourcing service center (OSSC) 14. The substances of these arecomputers communicable to one another.

Moreover, there exists the file server 15 of an Internet serviceprovider that mediates the transmission and receipt of the electronicdrawing data (CAD data) among these. In this case, the above-describedcomputers mount thereon Web browsers and mailers, which are accessibleto the file server 15 of the Internet service provider.

Note that, though FIG. 1 illustrates that data communications other thanbetween the orderer 11 and the supplier 12 are carried out directlybetween two parties, all the data communications are actually carriedout through the file server 15 of the Internet service provider.

Next, the process of the placement and receipt of an order by theoutsourcing service center 14, which is accompanied with electronicdrawing data conversion, will be described.

-   (1) The orderer 11 accesses the file server 15 and transmits    electronic drawing data (original CAD data) Dx prepared by a design    CAD used by his company to the file server 15. FIG. 2 illustrates a    computer screen example when the data is transmitted. In this data    transmission, a destination (supplier 12), an attention thereof, and    files of the electronic drawing data Dx to be transmitted are    designated (S1).

The destination is determined in such a manner that a button for thedestination on the transmission screen is clicked to open a shortcutmenu of a supplier list and to display suppliers previously registeredthereon, and the destination is selected from the displayed suppliersand clicked.

The transmission file is determined in such a manner that a referencebutton on the transmission screen is clicked to launch a file managementprogram (explorer), and on the file display screen of the filemanagement program, a file name is dragged and dropped into the columnof the file name on the transmission screen. The transmission isperformed by clicking a transmission button on the transmission screen.

-   (2) The supplier 12 accesses the file server 15 and receives    therefrom the identifier (ID) of the orderer, the identifier of the    electronic drawing data Dx and the like, which have been sent from    the orderer 11 to his company (S2). FIG. 3 illustrates a computer    screen example when the data is received. As shown in FIG. 3, the    identifier of the electronic drawing data Dx includes a file name, a    subject name, a drawing number and a comment, and the file name    includes a CAD format name.

The received data is classified for each origin (orderer) and displayedin detail for each origin. In the detail display, the file name and thelike are displayed. Here, when the acquisition button is clicked, eachfile is downloaded to the computer of the supplier's own.

Moreover, the supplier 12 can click the box of the program service (CADdata conversion service), which is provided in each file. Here, theformat of the CAD data conversion and data preparation service types tobe described later (refer to FIGS. 6 to 29) can be designated.Subsequently, the PS button is clicked. Thus, the designated fileidentifier, identifier of the orderer 11 and identifier of the supplier12 and the like are transmitted to the file server 15 as the outsourcingservice center 14 (S3).

Moreover, by clicking the transfer button provided in each file, thedesignated file is transmitted to the file server 15 with a previouslydesignated transfer destination (for example, the secondary subcontract13) taken as a transmission destination thereof.

(3) The outsourcing service center 14 accesses the file server 15 andreceives the electronic drawing data Dx from the orderer through thefile server 15, which has been sent from the supplier 12. FIG. 4illustrates a computer screen example when the data is received.

-   (4) The outsourcing service center 14 downloads the file of the    received electronic drawing data Dx, converts the downloaded file    into electronic drawing data Dc in a format specified by the    supplier 12, and transmits the electronic drawing data Dc subjected    to the data conversion to the file server 15 (S4). In this case,    when the supplier 12 uses, for example, the CAD of the Amada AP40 or    AP60, the electronic drawing data Dc is the CAD format data of the    AP40 or AP60. When the format data conversion is not designated, the    downloaded file is converted into a CAD standard format in    accordance with the DXF specification, the IGES specification or the    like.

Note that the electronic drawing data Dc having been subjected to thedata conversion can be transmitted through the file server 15 to adestination (for example, the secondary subcontract 13 or the branchoffice of the outsourcing service center 14, which is geometricallyclose to the supplier 12) designated by the supplier 12 (S5).

The supplier 12 accesses the file server 15 and receives therefrom theelectronic drawing data Dc having been subjected to the data conversion,which has been sent from the outsourcing service center 14 to hiscompany. Such data receipt is carried out also on the data screen shownin FIG. 3. When the data is downloaded to his computer, the acquisitionbutton may be clicked. When the data is transferred to the secondarysubcontract 13, the transfer box may be clicked, and then the transferbutton may be clicked.

Thus, the supplier 12 can easily use the CAD data by means of the CADapplication software used by the supplier 12 himself no matter how theformat of the CAD data from the orderer 11 may be. Moreover, even if theformat of the CAD data from the orderer 11 does not fit the format ofthe automatic programming tool (software) of the numerical controldevice owned by the supplier 12, the supplier 12 can acquire the CADdata fit thereto. Thus, the placement and receipt of the order by thepaper drawings can be eliminated, and rapid placement and receipt of anorder is going to be carried out.

The above-described procedure between the orderer 11 and the supplier 12through the outsourcing service center 14 can be directly applied to aprocedure between the supplier 12 as a secondary orderer and thesecondary subcontract 13 as a secondary supplier through the outsourcingservice center 14.

FIG. 5 illustrates a concrete example of the electronic drawing dataconversion in the outsourcing service center 14. The data conversionincludes both of 2D-CAD conversion and 3D-CAD conversion by thecomputers 21 and 22 incorporating therein data conversion software.Moreover, even though the data may be of the same CAD, there is a formatrule specific to each orderer 11. Therefore, the rules are stored in theknowledge database 23 and shared. Moreover, in order to verify that thedata has been converted without any lack of information, preferably, onthe computer 24 and the like, the data is read out by a CAD inaccordance with a format having been converted and verified (datapreparation service for a development view, a solid view, a machiningprogram and a machining simulation).

Outsourcing Service System 1

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the service system including theoutsourcing service apparatus regarding electronic drawing dataaccording to the present invention.

The electronic drawing data Dx is transmitted from the orderer 11 to thesupplier 12 (S11). The outsourcing service center 14 receives theelectronic drawing data Dx transferred from the supplier 12 (S12), andreceives the data of the database 31 for information regarding themachining and the tool, which are owned by the supplier 12 (S13), andacquires the data in the database 32 in the center.

The electronic drawing data Dx transferred from the supplier 12 to theoutsourcing service center 14 is a three view of a sheet metal machinedpart machined by a turret punch press, a laser machining machine and thelike.

The outsourcing service center 14 reads the received electronic drawingdata Dx, and then, for example, converts the data Dx into, for example,a standard format data D0 (S14).

Next, data unnecessary for the machining performed in the supplier 12,that is, data unnecessary for the sheet metal machining is extractedfrom the electronic drawing data D0, and electronic drawing data inwhich the unnecessary data is deleted is prepared. The data extractedand deleted from the electronic drawing data D0 includes data of adimension line, an additional line, a frame, a reference diagram, asheet thickness line and the like. This process is called a dust removalprocess. The dust removal process can be carried out by use of the layerfunction and hole chart function of the CAD (S15).

As one of the outsourcing services, the electronic drawing data havingsubjected to the dust removal process can be converted into format datadesignated by the supplier, and then can be returned to the supplier 12.

Note that, though the dust removal process has been performed after theCAD data format conversion from the electronic drawing data Dx into thestandard format data D0 in the above description, the dust removalprocess can be first performed for the original format data Dx, and thenthe data having been subjected to the dust removal process can beconverted into the standard format data D0. Moreover, the originalformat data Dx can be first converted into the format data designated bythe client, and then the dust removal process can be carried out for thedata having been subjected to the conversion.

When referring to FIG. 6 again, the outsourcing service center 14imparts hole attributes to the electronic drawing data having beensubjected to the dust removal process in order to prepare the NCmachining program. The hole attributes are set based on information onregular hole shapes given by the database 31 of the supplier 12(supplier-specific information), which includes a square hole, a longcircle, a special shape and the like (S16).

The development view data is prepared in such a manner that surfacesyntheses are performed, bending directions are considered, and bendingelongation values are corrected. The bending elongation values aredetermined in accordance with the type of the machining equipment andknow-how of the supplier 12 in many cases, and such data can be acquiredfrom the database 31 of the supplier 12 (S17). Specifically, as shown inFIG. 8, for example for a development length, a correction to subtractthe bending elongation value will be required. However, this value isdifferent depending on a machining method (air bend, bottoming and thelike), a material, a sheet thickness, the way of taking an inner radius,a bending die (punch, die) or the like, and therefore, it is necessaryto set the value for each supplier.

Next, data of a solid view added with bending attributes is preparedfrom development view data prepared as described above by a solidedition process (S18). The solid view is a drawing corresponding to aproduct having subjected to the bending, and from this solid view,verification can be made as to whether or not the bending or the like isappropriate. Moreover, a simulation whether or not the bending isenabled can be performed from the solid view (S19). Note that FIG. 7illustrates details of the above-described preparations of thedevelopment view data and solid view.

Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the solid view can be prepared whiledetermining a bending order and a die for use in consideration of thesupplier-specific information. The development view (a) is added withbending attributes, and bending lines include information on bendingdirections (mountain, valley), bending angles, bending shapes(V-bending, R-bending and the like), bending elongation values andbending lengths. When determining the bending order and the bending die,the bending machine and die owned by the supplier or the machiningknow-how originally owned by the orderer can be referred to from thesupplier's database 31. Consequently, the solid view (d) and the bendingprogram (e), which are imparted with bending attributes, are prepared.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the bending order and the die for use in eachbending can be determined in such a manner that the determination isstarted from the product shape (a), the die to be used in each of theprocesses (b to e) is selected while being put onto the product, and theshape is being developed to a state before the machining (inversesimulation system). In each of the selection processes (b to e) for thedie to be used, a die causing interference can be deleted (determined tobe NG) with reference to the supplier's database 31, and appropriatedies can be selected. For example, when machining a box-shaped object asin FIG. 11, there is a risk that a used die will not be drawn out afterthe bending, and therefore, a die with ears is selected for use.Consequently, as illustrated in FIG. 10( f), information on the die,which is owned by the supplier and to be used in each bending process,and on the machining is provided.

From the development view data, the outsourcing service center 14automatically prepares a NC machining program usable in the NC turretpunch press and NC laser machining machine, which are owned by thesupplier 12. Then, the outsourcing service center 14 can perform themachining simulation by the prepared NC machining program and canacquire simulation data thereof. The machining simulation data isprepared as data of a screen capture video representing the workcontents.

FIGS. 12 and 14 illustrate details of the preparation of the NCmachining program and of the preparation of the machining simulationdata. As shown in the drawings, the preparation of the NC machiningprogram is made by the supplier-specific information (FIG. 12) and bythe succession of the supplier's know-how (FIG. 14). In the simulationby the supplier-specific information, information on each post-processorowned by the supplier is acquired from the supplier's database 31 basedon the development view information, and the machining simulation foreach post-processor (NCT machining and laser machining in the example ofFIG. 12) is executed. In this case, for example as illustrated in FIG.13 for the NCT machining, a machining method is different depending onthe die owned by each supplier and the machining range of the machiningmachine, and there is a machining method specific to the supplier.Therefore, based on information on these, a simulation faithful toactual machining in each supplier can be executed. For example if a diefor a long circle is not owned when necessary, one square punch and twocircle punches will be necessary (FIG. 13(1)). Moreover, if machiningfor a range exceeding the machining range of the owned machining machineis required, then it will be necessary to reorganize the machine (FIG.13(2)). Moreover, because there is a machining method specific to thesupplier in the trimming order and the like, a method fit to these isdesignated (FIG. 13(3)).

In the program preparation by the succession of the supplier's know-how,as illustrated in FIG. 14, information (product size, bending number,bending shape and bending angle) on products associated with or similarto the development view information is acquired from the database of thesupplier. Consequently, the machining know-how owned by the supplier isgrasped, such as a bending method, a bending order, a bending elongationvalue, punch (point angle, point radius and the like), a die (V width)and front/rear attachment of the die, and thus the bending program isprepared.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the outsourcing service center 14 can alsoprepare a nesting program for blanking from the development view data.For example, in the case of the NCT machining, information on the ownedNCT machine, die, turret layout, NCT machining condition or machiningknow-how is acquired from the supplier's database, and the nestingprogram is prepared. In this case, for example as illustrated in FIG.16, a program course can be selected depending on whether (i) priorityis given to the yield improvement or (ii) priority is given to workefficiency in the post-process. When the priority is given to the yieldimprovement, the effective utilization of the material (on cost) isachieved, and however, waiting is apt to occur in the post-process.Meanwhile, when the priority is given to the work efficiency in thepost-process, the post-process flows smoothly and the work efficiency isimproved though the material may sometimes be wasted.

Data such as the development view data, the solid view data, the NCmachining program, the machining simulation data and the screen capturevideo (with a vocal explanation) representing the work contents, whichhave been prepared in the outsourcing service center 14, are transmittedto the supplier 12 (S19). Hence, even if the supplier 12 does not haveknowledge of handling the highly functional automatic programming tool,the supplier 12 can utilize the functions inherent in the tool, thusmaking it possible to shorten the work time and perform appropriate andefficient placement and receipt of orders (estimation preparationservice).

Outsourcing Service System 2

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the service system includingthe outsourcing service apparatus regarding the electronic drawing dataaccording to the present invention.

Also in this service, the electronic drawing data Dx is transmitted fromthe orderer 11 to the supplier 12 (S101). The outsourcing service center14 receives the electronic drawing data Dx transferred from the supplier12 (S104), receives therefrom the data of the database 31 of theinformation on the machining and tool owned by the supplier 12 (S103),and acquires the data into the database 32 in the center.

Similarly to the case during the foregoing service, the outsourcingservice center 14 performs the dust removal process (S105), imparts thehole attributes (S106), prepares the development view data (S107), andprepares the solid view data (S108) based on the received electronicdrawing data Dx and database information. Then, the outsourcing servicecenter 14 estimates a trimming process time, bending shape and thenumber thereof and a machining process based on the development viewdata, and carries out basic calculations for estimations of a materialcost, a machining cost, a set-up cost and the like (S109). FIG. 18illustrates details of the basic calculations for estimations and thelike. Note that, when it is determined that the supplier 12 does not owna part of the dies necessary for the machining, the cost of the die canalso be estimated as illustrated in FIG. 19. Thus, it is made possibleto prevent the lack of the estimation for the die and to shorten amanufacturing lead time for the die.

The outsourcing service center 14 transmits the prepared basicestimation data to the supplier 12 together with the solid view data(S110). The supplier 12 corrects the basic estimation data from theoutsourcing service center 14 according to needs (S111), and transmitsthe corrected data to the orderer 11 together with the solid view data(S112). Thus, the supplier 12 can save the time and effort of preparingthe estimation data and the like, and it is made possible to shorten thework time and to perform the appropriate and efficient placement andreceipt of orders. FIG. 20 shows a table representing the overalloutline of the estimation outsourcing described with reference to FIG.18 and the like.

Outsourcing Service System 3

According to the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 21, anoutsourcing service that performs data preparation of a solid model, inwhich the supplier can be differentiated as a supplier, can beperformed. FIG. 22 illustrates another example of the data conversionservice in this service described with reference to FIG. 5 and the like.FIG. 23 illustrates an example of offered menus in the outsourcing ofthe development view preparation and program preparation, which havebeen described with reference to FIG. 6 and the like. FIG. 24illustrates a service offering a screen capture video to be sent to thesupplier 12 together with fruits by the outsourcing (with reference alsoto FIG. 6). The offer of the image capture video offers one obtained bycapturing a screen of the work process and recording the captured screenas video data. Thus, a computer screen is shared at a real time by realtime collaboration and the like, and the outsourcing provider 19 and thesupplier 12 hold a meeting to make a question and a confirmation at anytime, whereby precision of the outsourcing contents can be improved.Moreover, the screen capture video is reproduced to verify theoutsourcing contents as well as the fruits, thus making it possible toconfirm the contents of a process for generating the outsourcing fruits(to check the fruits).

Method for Providing Optimum Machining Equipment

FIG. 25 schematically illustrates a method for proposing the optimummachining equipment (including optimum machining software) as anotheraspect of the invention of this application.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the electronic drawing 901 for manufacturinga predetermined product is sent as order-placement data from thecustomer (orderer) 11 of the client (supplier) 12 through acommunication line such as the Internet to the client 12. Here, theelectronic drawing 901 is, for example, a three view (front view, planview and side view) of the sheet metal product (or part) as shown in thedotted line of FIG. 25.

Upon receiving the electronic drawing, the client 12 transfers theelectronic drawing data 901 to the outsourcing service center 14 inaccordance with the already described procedure.

Upon receiving the electronic drawing 901, the outsourcing servicecenter 14 refers to the machining equipment (machining machine and die)of the client 12, the computer software for controlling the machiningequipment, the computer software for controlling the machiningassistance apparatus such as a CAD and a CAM when using the machiningequipment and the like. Then, the outsourcing service center 14 preparesthe development view 903 of the sheet metal product specified by theelectronic drawing 901 based thereon.

In the preparation process of the development view 903, the outsourcingservice center 14 checks the machining equipment (existing machiningequipment) of the client 12, and evaluates various subjects or problems905 when manufacturing the sheet metal product specified by the threeview 901 or the development view 903 (for example, machinability,machining quality, a machining time and a set-up time).

Then, the outsourcing service center 14 selects the optimum machiningequipment for manufacturing the product specified by the drawing 901 or903 (for example, sheet metal machining machine and die thereof) basedon the evaluation of the various subjects 905. This optimum machiningequipment 907 includes the optimum turret punch press (NCT) 909, thelaser machining machine 911 and the bending machine 913. Moreover, basedon the evaluation of the subjects 905, the outsourcing service center 14selects the optimum computer software 915 for manufacturing the sheetmetal product defined by the drawing 901 or 903 or useful whenmanufacturing the sheet metal product.

Moreover, the outsourcing service center 14 prepares the sales proposal917 for the client 12 based on the evaluation of the subjects 905 andthe selection of the optimum machining equipment 907 or the optimumcomputer software 915. This sales proposal 917 includes the followingdata or information.

Specifically, the data includes the data 919 for analyzing the presentcircumstances of the existing equipment or system of the client 12, thedata 921 specifying the optimum machining equipment or computer softwarefor manufacturing the product specified by the drawing 901 or 903, andthe data 923 of the introduction effect on the cost reduction and thelike, which is obtained by introducing the optimum machining equipmentor computer software.

More specifically, the data or information 919 of the presentcircumstances includes the designing time 919 a and the manufacturingtime 919 b while manufacturing the sheet metal product specified by thedrawing 901 or 903. Moreover, the data 921 of the optimum machiningequipment and computer software includes the designing time 921 a andthe manufacturing time 921 b, which are taken by using the optimummachining equipment or computer software. The data 923 of theintroduction effect or the cost includes the introduction cost 923 awhen introducing the novel machining equipment 907 or the novel computersoftware 915, the time or monetary amount 923 b reduced by introducingthe optimum machining equipment or computer software, and the increasedprofit 923 c obtained by the introduction. Thus, while a ready-madeproposal of the customer has been obeyed heretofore, sales contentssuitable for the machining mode and machining method of the client canbe proposed according to the present invention.

More specifically, the method for proposing an optimum machiningequipment in this embodiment is as follows. FIG. 26 explains a processfor proposing an optimum machining machine when manufacturing the sheetmetal product (or sheet metal part) corresponding to the drawing 901 or903 as client-specific information based on the data thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, the drawing data 901 or 903 is acquired inStep S600. In Step S601, the group of the existing client equipmentinformation 925 a such as owned machine information on the turret punchpress (NCT) (for example, type of the turret punch press), owned dieinformation, which are to be used by the client 12, turret layoutinformation, a registered NCT machining condition, machining know-how ofthe supplier is acquired from the client database (SDD) 925.

In Step S602, the machining simulation for manufacturing the sheet metalpart illustrated in the development view 903 by the turret punch pressis carried out based on the development view 903 and the acquiredvarious client's own equipment information 925 a. More specifically, forexample, in order to manufacture the part illustrated in the developmentview 903 by stamping, a die is allocated to the visible outlines 903 a,903 b and the like of the part 903, and a die for stamping the holes 903c is allocated thereto.

In Step S603, the various subjects 905 when stamping the part 903 by thepunch press are checked based on the above-described machiningsimulation. The subjects 905 include the machinability 905 a, themachining quality 905 b, the machining time 905 c, and the set-up time905 d. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 27, the varioussubjects 905 include the subject on the corner radius 927, the subjecton the non-circular hole 929, and the subject on the various holes 931.Specifically, in the case of the NCT, there is a problem that (a) theNCT cannot cut out the corner R into a smooth curved surface though itcan perform the stamping for the corner R by a right angle punch. For(b) the non-circular hole, there are problems that the NCT cannot cutout the hole into a smooth curved surface though it can perform thestamping therefor by a circular punch and that a smooth machining willbe enabled if a special shape die is ordered, but it will take cost anda lead time. Moreover, for (c) the various holes, there is a problemthat a machining cannot be performed therefor when a type of a die otherthan the die (58, 40 or the like) storable in the turret of the NCT isnecessary.

In Step S604, the feature of the client's work is examined.

In Step S605, the optimum machining machine 933 for solving the subjects905 is selected. For example, this optimum machining machine is thelaser/punch press compound machine 933 in which the function of theturret punch press and the function of the laser machining machine areaccommodated in one frame. By means of this compound machine 933, themachining for the corner R 927, the non-circular hole 929 or the variousholes 931 can be executed easily by the laser machining function.Moreover, a machining for other normal shape portions can be executed ata high speed by the die of the turret punch press.

In Step S606, the machining simulation in the case of machining the work903 by the compound machine 933 is executed.

In Step S607, the proposal 917 for proposing the optimum machiningmachine such as the compound machine is prepared based on the process(Steps S601 to S606).

In accordance with the constitution of this embodiment, the optimummetal sheet machining machine for manufacturing the product or part ofwhich order has been placed from the customer 11, that is, a sheet metalmachine capable of reducing the cost to the maximum and performing themachining rapidly can be proposed to the client effectively.

FIG. 28 illustrates a method for proposing the optimum bending die asthe optimum die for manufacturing a product corresponding to the drawing901 or 903 based on the information (or data) thereof as theclient-specific information. Here, the solid view 933 is previouslyprepared based on the development view 903.

In Step S700, the cross-sectional shape 935 of the product is displayedbased on the solid view 933.

In Step S701, the die data 937 of the client's own die as a die that hasa possibility of being fit is acquired from the client database 935, andit is checked whether or not the bending line 935 a of thecross-sectional shape 935 can be bent by the die. For example, if thebending line 935 a cannot be bent by the owned die 937 (for example, iflarge interference occurs by use of the die), then the process proceedsto Step S702. If there is no interference, then the process can alsoproceed to Step S704.

In Step S702, the standard die/special die data 941 of the die owned orprepared normally by the Amada's outsourcing center 14 is taken out asdata of the die having the possibility of being fit from the Amada'sdatabase 939, and it is checked whether or not the bending line 935 a ofthe cross-sectional shape 935 can be bent by this standard die/specialdie 941. If there is no interference in this case, then the process canalso proceed to Step S704. If there is still interference though theamount thereof is reduced, then the process proceeds to Step S703.

In Step S703, a special shape die for bending the bending line 935 a ofthe cross-sectional shape 935 is newly designed. This design includes ashape design for determining the shape and a pressure resistant designfor determining a resistant pressure.

In Step S704, the proposal of the optimum die for bending theabove-described product or part 933 is prepared based on the processesS701, S702 and S703. This proposal includes the description 943 a thatlarge interference occurs when using the client's own die, thedescription 943 b that interference still occurs though the amountthereof becomes slight when using the Amada's standard die or specialdie, and the description 943 c that no interference occurs when usingthe die in accordance with the Amada's special specification. Thedescription 943 b for the Amada's standard die/special die and thedescription 943 c for the die in accordance with the Amada's specialspecification includes prices of the respective special dies.

FIG. 29 illustrates a method for proposing assistance computer softwareuseful for manufacturing a product corresponding to the development view945, the solid view 947, and the front view 949 and the cross-sectionalview 951, both of which are based on the solid view 947, based on thesedrawings as the client-specific information.

As understood from the front view 949, the cross-sectional view 951 orthe solid view 947, for this sheet metal product, it is not easy toprepare the development view 945 from the front view 949 and thecross-sectional view 951. More specifically, it is not easy to calculatethe length L of the side 945 b of the development view 945 or tocalculate the shape of the non-circular holes 945 a based on the frontview 949 and the cross-sectional view 951. Note that, as understood fromthe front view 949, the non-circular holes 945 a are the ones becomingthe circles 949 a when viewed from the front after the sheet metal isbent to the shape shown in the cross-sectional view 951.

In Step S801, the development view 945 for realizing the front view 949and the cross-sectional view 951 is prepared by use of the client's ownsoftware 953.

In Step S802, the problems or subjects 955 such as a development timeand development quality when preparing the development view 945 areevaluated. As described above, because it is difficult to calculate thedevelopment length L and to deduce the shape of the non-circular holes945 a, it is evaluated that an accurate drawing cannot be obtained as aresult of elongation of the development time and deterioration of thedevelopment quality.

In Step S803, the development view 945 is prepared based on the frontview 949 and the cross-sectional view 951 by use of the optimum computersoftware 951 owned by the Amada's outsourcing center 14. In this case, adevelopment time and development quality when using this optimumcomputer software 951 are evaluated.

In Step S804, the introduction effect 923 on the cost reduction and thelike are calculated based on the subjects 955 and the development timeor the development quality evaluated in Step S802, and the proposal 917including this calculation result is prepared.

The proposals described above, that is, the proposals prepared in StepS607 of FIG. 26, Step S704 of FIG. 28 and Step S804 of FIG. 29 are senttogether with the development views 903 and 945 or the solid views 933and 947, which are prepared based on the electronic drawing 901, throughthe Internet to the client 12.

Hence, the client 12 can easily know the machining machine (sheet metalmachining machine),the die and the computer software for manufacturingthe product ordered from the customer 11 rapidly at a low price byreferring to the foregoing proposals.

1. A service apparatus for processing electronic drawing data, saidservice apparatus comprising: a receiver that receives electronicdrawing data over a communications network from a requestor, theelectronic drawing data being used for machining an object depicted in adrawing; a converter that converts the received electronic drawing datainto a format designated by a supplier, and a transmitter that transmitsthe converted electronic drawing data over the communications network toa destination designated by the supplier.
 2. The service apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the format designated by the supplier is astandard CAD data format in accordance with one of a DXF specificationand an IGES specification.
 3. The service apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe converted electronic drawing data comprises data from whichinformation, unnecessary for machining performed by the supplier, isextracted and deleted.
 4. The service apparatus of claim 1, wherein theconverted electronic drawing data comprises a development view.
 5. Theservice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the converted electronic drawingdata comprises a prospective solid view after bending.
 6. The serviceapparatus of claim 1, wherein the converted electronic drawing datacomprises a machining program for a numerical control device.
 7. Theservice apparatus of claims 1, wherein the converted electronic drawingdata comprises video data of a machining simulation.
 8. The serviceapparatus of claims 1, wherein the converted electronic drawing dataindicates a selected optimum machining equipment and tool.
 9. Theservice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the converted electronic drawingdata indicates a selected software application.
 10. An order placementserver for processing electronic drawing data, said server comprising: atransmitter that transmits, to a client over a communications network,identification information of at least one requestor and identificationinformation of at least one electronic drawing data prepared by therequestor, the client displaying a format and the identificationinformation of the electronic drawing data and the identificationinformation of the requestor; a receiver that receives, from the clientover the communications network, the identification information of theat least one requestor and of the at least one electronic drawing dataand a designated destination for electronic drawing data that is to beconverted to a predetermined format by said server, and a converter thatconverts the electronic drawing data to the predetermined format, saidtransmitter transmitting the converted electronic drawing data to thedesignated destination over the communications networks, wherein theelectronic drawing data is used for machining an object depicted in adrawing.
 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the electronicdrawing data prepared by the requestor is received by the server overthe communications network.
 12. An order placement client for placingorders for electronic drawing data, said client comprising: a receiverthat receives, from a server over a communications network, identifyinginformation of at least one requestor and identification information andformat information of at least one electronic drawing data prepared bythe requestor, the electronic drawing data being used for machining anobject depicted in a drawing; a display that displays the identifyinginformation of the at least one requestor and identification informationand format information of the at least one electronic drawing dataprepared by the requestor, and a transmitter that transmits, to theserver over the communications network, identification information ofelectronic drawing data that is designated to be converted to apredetermined format by the server and identification information of adesignated destination to which the electronic drawing data converted tothe predetermined format is to be transferred, the electronic drawingdata being converted to the predetermined format based on theidentification information transmitted by the client over thecommunications network.
 13. An electronic drawing data conversionmethod, comprising: receiving, from a first client over a communicationsnetwork, identification information of the first client, CAD data andCAD data identification information including a CAD data format, the CADdata being used for machining an object depicted in a drawing;transmitting, to a second client over the communications network, theidentification information of the first client and the CAD dataidentification information, the information being displayed by thesecond client on a display device; receiving, from the second clientover the communications network, CAD data conversion request informationincluding CAD data conversion identification information designating aCAD data conversion format; converting the CAD data into the formatspecified by the CAD data conversion identification information; andtransmitting, to a predetermined third client over the communicationsnetwork, the converted CAD data.
 14. The method according to claim 13,wherein the information received from the second client over thecommunications network includes identification information of the thirdclient.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the converted CADdata received by the predetermined third client over the communicationsnetwork is used to manufacture a product.
 16. The method according toclaim 14, wherein the CAD data identification information and a name ofa product are displayed as CAD data file information by the secondclient.
 17. An electronic drawing data conversion method, comprising:receiving, from a server over a communications network, identificationinformation of a first client and CAD data identification informationincluding CAD format identification information, and displaying on adisplay device the identification information of the first client andthe CAD data identification information; and transmitting, to the serverover the communications network, CAD data conversion request informationincluding identification information designating a conversion format towhich CAD data is to be converted, the CAD data being used for machiningan object depicted in a drawing.
 18. The method according to claim 17,wherein the server transmits converted CAD data to a second client and aproduct is manufactured based on the converted CAD data.